KINGSTON, Jamaica – OBSERVER ONLINE has received reports that a female patient, suspected of having contracted the H1N1 influenza virus, is now in isolation at the Kingston Public Hospital.

If the case is confirmed, this patient would bring to 11 the number of H1N1 cases identified in the island so far.

When contacted Tuesday, acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Winston De La Haye confirmed that there is in fact another suspected case, but said that they are awaiting results from the epidemiologist.

Dr De La Haye insisted that so far, there have been 10 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in the island. These cases include the two people who died on the February 20 and February 23.

“A trend we have been noticing is a gradual decrease for last week of suspected cases of Severe Acute Respiratory-tract Infections (SARI) compared to the week before. It is difficult to say if this will hold up for next week, but it is at least encouraging in term of the number of persons impacted with suspected cases,” De La Haye explained.

Dr De La Haye again encouraged the public to practice proper hygiene, such as the frequent washing of hands and avoiding contact with people after sneezing or coughing.

David Wright